Left Hook - 18 - The Hunger Games 2026

Holiday Nostalgia & The Political Landscape of 2026. Hosts Mark Bland and Jason Kull kick off the final show of the year with a warm dive into holiday traditions: strict rules about when Christmas movies are allowed, mandatory Christmas Eve breakfasts, and a shared disdain for warm December weather. They reminisce about the golden age of toys, calculating that the iconic $129 G.I. Joe USS Flagg carrier from the 1980s would cost about $402 in today's dollars—roughly the price of a modern VR headset. The conversation quickly pivots to a sharp critique of the political moment. The hosts dissect President Trump's proposed "Warrior Dividend"—a $1,776 bonus for 1.5 million service members—calling it a flashy political stunt funded by shuffling existing military budgets rather than new revenue from tariffs. They express frustration with claims of an economic boom that don't match the reality of high prices and a 36% economic approval rating. Looking ahead to July 2026, they darkly compare the planned 250th anniversary celebrations—including a nationwide competition—to The Hunger Games, warning that the year could be "lit" in the most dystopian sense. Despite the heavy satire, the episode ends with a heartfelt Merry Christmas and cautious hope for stability in the year ahead.